Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T=: Enterprise Router? Port Configuration, Performance, and Deployment Scenarios

​​Core Specifications of the C8300-2N2S-6T=​​

The Cisco C8300-2N2S-6T= is a ​​modular aggregation services router​​ designed for medium to large enterprises requiring versatile connectivity. According to Cisco’s technical documentation, this model features ​​2 x Network Interface Module (NIM) slots​​, ​​2 x 1G/10G SFP ports​​, and ​​6 x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet ports​​. It supports a ​​throughput of up to 2 Gbps​​ and is engineered for high availability with dual power supply compatibility.

​​Key Technical Capabilities​​

• ​​Flexible Connectivity​​: The ​​2 NIM slots​​ allow customization with additional interfaces (e.g., T1/E1, DSL, or cellular modules) for diverse WAN/LAN needs.
• ​​High-Speed Uplinks​​: The ​​dual SFP ports​​ enable fiber connectivity for backbone links or high-bandwidth applications.
• ​​Layer 3 Routing​​: Supports ​​BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP​​ for dynamic routing in complex network topologies.
• ​​Advanced Security​​: Integrates ​​Cisco IOS-XE SD-WAN​​, VPN, and firewall features for secure branch or edge deployments.

​​Ideal Use Cases​​

This router is optimized for environments demanding ​​scalability and hybrid connectivity​​:

• ​​Enterprise Branches​​: Connects remote offices with mixed copper and fiber WAN links.
• ​​Retail Chains​​: Powers POS systems, surveillance cameras, and inventory management tools across locations.
• ​​Healthcare Networks​​: Secures patient data with encrypted VPN tunnels while supporting medical IoT devices.

​​Addressing Critical User Questions​​

​​Q: Does the C8300-2N2S-6T= support PoE for connected devices?​​
A: No. The Ethernet ports are ​​non-PoE​​. For PoE needs, add a PoE-capable NIM module or use external injectors.

​​Q: Can it integrate with Cisco DNA Center for SD-WAN management?​​
A: Yes. With ​​Cisco IOS-XE SD-WAN​​, it supports centralized orchestration and policy-based automation.

​​Q: Is stacking supported for redundancy?​​
A: While not stackable, it offers ​​hardware redundancy​​ via dual AC/DC power supplies and software features like NSF/SSO.

​​Purchasing the C8300-2N2S-6T=​​

For enterprises seeking cost-effective, refurbished Cisco hardware, the “C8300-2N2S-6T=” is available here. Verify NIM compatibility and power requirements to match your network’s demands.

​​Final Assessment​​

The C8300-2N2S-6T= strikes a balance between ​​modular flexibility and enterprise-grade performance​​, making it ideal for hybrid WAN deployments. While its lack of built-in PoE may limit IoT-heavy use cases, its NIM expandability and SD-WAN readiness future-proof investments. For organizations prioritizing simplicity over modularity, however, fixed-configuration routers like the Cisco 1000 Series might offer a more streamlined solution.